All the Things You Never Knew (2 page)

Susannah rise up to peek out the window at Rose and his lordship and stuck her tongue out at them, shaking her head as she sat back down.

“Stupid drunken arse of a marquess,” she cursed as she twiddles her thumbs. “I can’t believe my friend would fall for such an unfaithful man like you. She has no idea what she’s getting into.”

She thought back to Leon.
Mr. Leon Heartily.
He was the best catch of London.
Rose was so lucky to have caught his eyes out of the rest of the

ladies.

If only he had explained himself and not do such a foolish thing and left. He was a really nice gentleman. Better than his lordship even if he lacks a title.

He would still have made Rose a fine husband.
An ideal husband that every lady will want, actually. Oh, she was so looking forward to attend their wedding, but…but

Leon just had to ruin that opportunity.

Susannah was angry with him at first until he sought her out and told her the truth before he left. He had made her vow to keep it a secret from Rose. She had agreed and concealed it for ten years. At times, she just wanted to burst out everything. At least then Rose would think twice before agreeing to wed that marquess and let him–

Susannah shook her head to wipe off the thought and closed her eyes, hoping one day that Rose would see what she’s about to lose.
Stanford Hall
Trafalgar Square

“Bless you, again,” said the young Miss Delilah Stanford as she sat and stares dreamily at the charming Mr. Leon Heartily. “Your tenth sneeze, if I’m correct.”

“I haven’t been counting, but thank you,” Leon answered, taking out his pocket watch to check the time. “When is your father going to be available?”

“Yes, I’m growing rather hungry,” his younger brother, Sheik, groaned from the small stool he had sat on to warm up by the fireplace. “When is he going to be available?”

“In half an hour or so,” Delilah answered, her eyes fixed on Leon the whole time.
Leon turned away and run his fingers through his wet hair. They had been caught up in a storm as they were making their way to London from Bridlington. It was rather bright when they had set out on their trip, but as they drew closer to their destination the weather had taken a turn and before they knew it, they were drenched to the bone.
“You owe me for this,” Sheik said, glaring at him.
He had forced his younger brother to come along just because he knows Sheik will help him get away from the place, especially from Miss Stanford who’s always finding ways to keep him in her presence for as long as she can whenever he visits. She’s just like the young lady pupils at the school.
The Heartily Academy of Management, the school established by his parents before their death. He has to get back to manage a schedule with his secretary on how to run the school while he’s gone. He has a quest awaiting him for the next few weeks and won’t be able to handle things. His siblings won’t be of much help since they are all occupied with their own things.
There were eleven of them, twelve including him. They all were very talented and can teach in almost every subject at the school, but they were more into their work that Leon’s taking the whole responsibility to fulfill their parents’ dream. He had hired a few teachers with the budget he had to prepare lectures for the pupils while he’s gone. He just hope his pupils would go easy on them, for the last time hadn’t been so good when he took leave on a trip to meet a friend for an important investigation.
But whatever happens, he will come back to show them his wrath. He warned them before that if they were to misbehave again, he will make them clean the school yard and scrub every wall and floor until he can see his own reflection. He had made them done it once and was sure they didn’t enjoy it. It should keep them out of trouble, although he has a feeling that it would be his siblings causing problems this time around. It happens from time to time. It gives him a headache to think about it. His pupils are certainly enough.
The door creaked open and in steps a young girl about the age of his little sister with a tray of cups and saucers for tea. Along with it were some raspberry scones that gave off an enchanting smell that filled the room. She set it down on the table and curtsied towards Sheik and Leon.
“Leave, you muted wretch,” Delilah yelled at the girl. “Didn’t father tell you not to come out when there are guests? Shoo! Go away!”
“Hey, don’t!” Sheik cried, getting up after the girl as she opens the door to leave.
Leon wondered what the devil that was about but didn’t bother to ask.
Sheik dragged the girl by the arm and pushed her down on the couch across from the table.
“I don’t know if these are really for us or not, but I’m delighted to have them brought,” he said to her. “Why don’t you stay to enjoy it with us?”
The girl gave him a weary look and turned to Delilah who was gesturing with her eyes for her to leave the room.
She shook her head at Sheik and stood up to leave once more.
“Don’t,” Sheik said, pulling her down again. “Are you afraid?” He turned to Delilah. “You must be a really good lady to have your maid be so intimidated of you.”
“Maid?” Delilah gave a hysteric laugh and pointed at the girl. “That thing is merely my idiot cousin, although she does make a good maid.”
The girl struggled to free her hand from Sheik’s and pushed him away.
“Let her go, Sheik,” Leon said, when Sheik reached back for her. He had a feeling that Delilah would do something to harm the girl later.
Sheik did so and the girl scurried out as fast as she could.
“Sorry about that,” Delilah said, walking over to pour out the tea. “My cousin always makes a scene when there are guests.”
From your actions, I’m sure
, Leon wanted to say but bit back his tongue.
“You say she’s muted?” Sheik asked, grabbing a scone and biting into it.
“Of course,” Delilah said in annoyance. “She’s a stupid mute.”
“How so?” Leon asked just to make time fly.
Delilah took a sip of her tea and shrug. “I don’t know. My aunt and uncle got assassinated or something, leaving her traumatized and stupid without a voice.”
“Being mute doesn’t make one stupid,” Sheik said, picking up his teacup and inhaling in the scent. “Mm. This smells good. Do you think Avange would be able to make us this recipe, Leon? What kind of tea is this anyway?”
“Orange something,” Delilah answered. “Really good, isn’t it?” “Did your cousin make these?” Leon asked, as he took his share. “She did.”
“We should hire her as our cook,” Sheik said, munching away on another scone. “She’ll be able to replace Aidan and Avange when they’re not there.”
“Are those your other brothers, Aidan and Avenge?” Delilah asked, curiously.
“Aidan is, but Avange is our sister,” Leon replied.
“Avenge? That’s a rather unusual name for a girl. An avenger, quite funny.”
“It’s Avangelene,” Sheik explained. “Avange for short. A-V-AN-G-E, not like an avenger. She’s the best sister.”
“Oh,” Delilah colored and sat to drink her tea. “I’ll like to meet her someday,” she said, turning to Leon. “If you give me the opportunity to, that is.”
Leon had no idea what she meant by that and just shrugs.
“I think we’ll take leave after this,” Leon said after a while. He was growing a bit heavy in the head. “I’ll come again another time when your father is available.”
“No, you can’t!” Delilah said, jumping up. “You have to stay a bit and wait. He’ll be ready soon.”
“I don’t know what he’s doing but it’s taking forever,” said Sheik. “I do want to go nap a bit.”
“Well, actually, he’d been free for some time now,” Delilah admitted nervously. “I just adore you so much that I don’t want to–”
“Great! You mean we could have left this place hours ago?” Sheik was mad and threw down the scone he was holding.
His brother needed anger management. His temper gets spark easily from little things, but Leon guess it’s a good thing at the moment. He was feeling rather angry himself for having been fooled again.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help it,” Delilah giggled. “Aw…you are so handsome, Mr. Heartily. So very handsome.”
“That’s it, I’m ready to leave,” Sheik said, getting up and pulling on his coat. “This is ridiculous. Could’ve spent the last few hours doing something better.”
“Sheik, don’t,” Leon said. “I have to meet with Stanford. This is important.” He turned to Delilah and releases a breath of indignation. “If your father is available, then please lead me to him. I have many businesses to tend. I don’t have all day here.”
“Should have thought of that earlier,” Sheik said, falling back down on the couch. “I’m going to nap then. Hurry up.”
“I’ll take you to my father,” Delilah said, strolling towards the door. “Follow me.”
Leon nodded and said to Sheik, “Behave.”
Sheik scoffed and took his coat off again to cover him. “Just do your thing.”
With that, Leon followed out after Delilah and down the corridor to meet the old solicitor of his, Mr. Pierce Stanford, who was also the past solicitor of his father.
“Here we are,” Delilah said as they stop in front of a door. “This is father’s study now. He gave up the other one for his secretary. Simply walk in, no need to knock. I’ll miss you.”
“Please keep my brother company.”
Delilah nodded with a smile and walked away.
Leon took a deep breath and placed his hand on the door handle before knocking and entering into the room, hoping to resolve all his problems and fulfill the reason why he came here in the first place.

Dawson House

to Rose as they sat to have their afternoon tea. “Kissing and hugging on horseback in public. Please, you have higher morals than that.”

Rose hadn’t particularly lied to Madame Marionette about that part of having tea.
“Why? Leon and I always–” Rose caught herself and shrugs it off instead of responding.
“Leon and you what? This is Lord Lansing and you. I wouldn’t have minded if that was Mr. Heartily instead of that marquess, but–”
“It shouldn’t matter now, Susy. We’re getting married anyway,” Rose argued, reaching over to ring the bell for the maid to come and get the empty trays.
“But Rose, what if–” Susannah wasn’t quite sure how to put out the words, for Rose would never listen.
“What?”
“What if…what if there’s someone out there that loves you more than anyone else in the world but you just never knew? Would you…would you still want to marry his lordship and live in misery?” Susannah managed to ask. “Wouldn’t you want to be with that person that loves you?”
“There’s no such person,” Rose said with a sigh of despair, but her expression changed rapidly. “And stop making me give up Lord Lansing! He’s the best man anyone could ever have for a husband.”
“Well, that’s because you never look past his drunken arse and–”
“Would you stop calling him a drunken arse?” Rose interjected, irritated by Susannah’s constant insult. “You should start finding yourself a husband. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life as a spinster.”
“Is that why you’re marrying Lord Lansing? Are you afraid of having to face spinsterhood?”
“What? Of course not!” Rose answered. “I love Lord Lansing. I told you that earlier.”
“No, you don’t. Everything you did was just to get rid of Mr. Heartily from your mind. Don’t say I’m wrong.”
“You
are
wrong,” Rose argued. “Leon has nothing to do with any of this. He was gone from my life years ago.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Rosy, you’re such a bad jester.”
“Can we stop this? I’m tired of arguing about Leon. He left more than a decade ago. Please. I’ll admit it. I do still misses him very much sometimes, but he’s gone now. I can’t spend the rest of my life prying after him, can I? Please understand me, Susy.” There, she said it. She just wishes for Susannah to stop this pointless argument. It had been going on ever since Lord Lansing and her got engaged, which was five years ago. They just haven’t yet found the perfect time for the wedding. “Can’t you just wish me a happy marriage?”
“No,” Susannah replied. “I can’t. I can’t let you marry someone you don’t love.”
“So you want me to do what? Wait for the one person that I love to return when he’s forever gone? I’ll pass. That’s just a dream. This is reality.”
“What if he does return? What then, Rosy?”
Rose blew a breath of annoyance and stared out the window.
“He won’t,” she answered softly. “It’s been so long. I’ve moved on.”
“But it’s never too late to turn back.”
Rose closed her eyes and just shook her head. “It’s too late,” she murmured. “Too very late.”
“You gave up hope too quickly.”
“If you were in my slippers, you’ll know how it feels.”
“Ugh. Never mind,” Susannah said finally. She was rather annoyed herself.
“Anyhow, Lord Lansing said that Lady Bethia is hosting a ball next week,” Rose said, changing the subject. “Would you like to attend the ball with us?”
“Lady Bethia, the Marchioness of Chatsworth? No thank you,” Susannah answered. “I hate how she always plays matchmaker, pairing all the
belles
with the
bêtes
.”
“Oh, come on, Susy. It isn’t that bad. Maybe this time you’ll get paired with a better gentleman. She paired me up with Marcus after all.”
“Exactly,” Susannah pointed out. “Besides, I haven’t received an invitation.”
“I’ll tell his lordship to get you one.”
“I’ll see.”
“No
‘I’ll see,’
” Rose said. “We always go to balls together. You will go. End of the argument.”
“Fine, fine,” Susannah answered. “Means I have to go shop for a new dress then.”
“That’s no problem at all!” Rose exclaimed happily. “We’ll go to Florette’s again.”
“All right,” Susannah answered.
“I hope you meet your Prince Charming.”
“Perhaps I might,” Susannah smiled. “And perhaps a miracle would happen and you’ll find someone else better.”
“I’m not changing my mind on marrying Lord Lansing, no,” Rose said. “A miracle would just be my handsome marquess riding on his white horse and coming to sweep me away to his villa.” She sighed dreamily and smiled. “Now that’s a real miracle.”
“Oh, you’ll see what a real miracle is,” Susannah replied, mirroring back the smile. “You’ll see.”

Stanford Hall

“About time we get out of that place,” Sheik said, yawning as he and Leon walks to the stable to get their horses. “I hope this was worth the wait. Did you obtain the information you needed?”

Leon led his horse out and nodded, “Quite enough.”
It took a good long hour or two for Leon to gather all the answers he needed before taking leave. Mr. Stanford didn’t have all the complete answers, but it was enough for the time being. He had been searching for five men–or rather five suspects that had been in charge of his parents’ death. Stanford was able to provide him enough clues on how to find the men, though not exactly where. He didn’t give him names either, except that they were all of high nobility. One is a duke, another a marquess and it follows with an earl, a viscount, and lastly, a baron.
Leon would have never expected so. If only Stanford could provide him with the names. He had known Leon’s father for life and knew every enemies of his father.
Why doesn’t Stanford know these ones now? He even knows the reason of why his parents’ were killed too.
Why not the enemies?
According to Mr. Stanford, these men were looking for some old ancient jewels. It appeared that his father had them, causing the enemies to attack. Mr. Stanford asked him about it, but Leon had denied the knowledge of knowing such jewels existed in the family. For one thing, he doesn’t trust the information to be out, not even to Mr. Stanford.
He knew well about the jewels’ existence, just not of their purposes. If those jewels caused his parents’ death, then surely they are worth more than he would have thought. It’s better to just leave them hanging than bring them up to cause further issue.
“I am never coming to the Stanfords with you again,” Sheik said, mounting up on his horse and riding out after Leon.
Leon laughed and reached over to ruffle his little brother’s hair. “You won’t have to again. I promise you that.”
“Stop that,” Sheik said, pushing away his hand. “Where are we heading next?”
“Back home,” Leon answered. “I have many things to discuss with Jack and them.”
“Seriously? We had been riding all day.”
“Yes, we’ve got to return home.”
“Can’t we rest for the night?”
“Sheik, you can’t call Phoenix a baby anymore. You sound just like her at the moment,” Leon chuckled.
“Me, a baby like Nix? That’s absurd!” Sheik exclaimed. “I’m almost twenty.”
“You’re just a wee puppy,” Leon joked, slowing his horse so that he was side by side with his brother.
“You’re an old fart, then,” Sheik laughed. “I think it’s time for you to marry, don’t you think so?”
“No, it’s too early,” Leon said. “Way too early. Besides, I can’t get marry when there’s business everywhere up my sleeves.”
“You’re but eight and twenty already. That annoying Miss Stanford seems to adore you.”
“I’ll cut off my left arm before getting myself leg shackled to her,” Leon answered.
He would never get things done if he were to get with Delilah. She will cling on to him like a piece of driftwood and keep him from tending to any affair. He would not settle for that kind of woman.
“I’ll probably let Nix shoot me if I were to be with that Miss Stanford, too,” his brother seemed to also agree. “How about that Lady Rose?”
“Who?”
Leon could’ve sworn he heard it wrong.
“Lady Rose. I don’t really quite remember,” Sheik said. “I was eight back then. You liked her a lot, didn’t you?”
“Rose?”
It has been so long since he had spoken her name.
“Yes, that’s right. Miss Lady Rose Dawson.”
“Are you jesting? It’s been over ten years now,” Leon said. “She’s probably married now.”
“Didn’t she love you? Why didn’t you marry her?”
Why didn’t he? Leon had no idea. He was a mere lad back then who didn’t think much.
“I couldn’t,” was all Leon said, though there was so much more. “You loved her, right?’
This has got to be the most awkward conversation he has ever had with his brother.
“I didn’t,” Leon replied, though his heart said otherwise. “I only liked her, that’s all.”
“Sure.”
“Seriously.”
“Whatever you say, then.”
They rode on in silence, not saying a word.
Sheik whistled a soft little tune while Leon’s thoughts drift back to their previous conversation.
Rose.
Leon didn’t know what to say. He didn’t expect his brother to bring her up again. She had been…a memory he has never forgotten. Not even for a second. She lives deep down inside his heart like a scar that never fades.
She haunts him like a nightmare with much torture. No matter how hard he tries to wipe her out of his mind, she will always come back. She had become a part of his life–a necessity. She fills his every thought and dreams.
If only…if only their world were not so different apart.
Maybe…just maybe…They could have…
Bloody fool
, Leon cursed himself.
These thoughts were ridiculous.
A whole decade had passed. She must have moved on already. He had no doubt about it, especially after what he did. He regretted that day so very much, but what more can he do?
His family were facing major crisis. He couldn’t let Rose be a part of it and be in danger.
What he did was for the best, though she will hate him forever.
He just hopes for her to find the best man that will love and care for her, like he once did.
Like he always will.
If only she knew.
If only–
“Hey, look who’s coming at us!” Sheik exclaimed, breaking his thoughts.
Leon looked up and was surprised to see who it was.
“Hargate.”
It was Laguna Black, the Duke of Hargate, one of his very best friends. Leon hadn’t seen him in two years. They had only met twice in the five years that he had returned to Bridlington.
Hargate had been helping him hunt for his parents’ murderers for years. He was one of the most influential individuals in the House of Lords and was able to obtain access to every private government files. It was thanks to Hargate that they were able to narrow down their suspects before he went to consult with Stanford about it. He would still have been so far behind the investigation if not for Hargate’s help,
“You didn’t tell me that you were coming, Heartily,” Hargate said, riding over to shake Leon’s hand and nodded to Sheik. “I could’ve planned something special for us, like the brothel, game at Maurice, or endless brandy at my family’s inn.”
“I wasn’t thinking of staying that’s why I didn’t send you words,” Leon answered. “I was going to get home to handle some matters and then return.”
“I’m tired as the devil,” Sheik whined. “Laguna, I beg you, please, tell Leon to let us rest for the night. Takes almost two days to get back to Bridlington and I’m not in the mood of returning, especially when we just got here and was stuck for hours at the Stanfords.”
Hargate laughed and turned to Leon. “Let’s stay over at the inn and catch up on things for the night, shall we? I know you’re probably eager to leave like always, but stay this time. I have a little information that could probably help in our investigation.”
“Have you found one of the men?” Leon asked, turning serious.
“Possibly,” Hargate nodded.
“Then we have no time to waste,” Leon answered, turning his horse to line with Hargate’s. “Let’s go. I have some things to discuss with you as well.”
“Lord, amen!” Sheik exclaimed, following suit.